EPA leaves Seaside home, waits on samples

Crews from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency completed work inside a residence on the 900 block of Avenue K late last week.

“The EPA did leave last week and they were still waiting on samples to return this week,” Seaside Fire Chief Joey Daniels said Monday. “The homeowner let me know that he was advise to air out his home, and he stated that most of the odor is gone at this time.”

Last week, two EPA emergency response vans parked outside the single-family home, which had been evacuated by residents after a smell was reported inside the house on Saturday evening.

A neighbor described the small as like “paint thinner.”

Seaside fire personnel responded to a report of the smell inside the residence on the about 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. A hazardous materials team from the Astoria Fire Department joined the investigation Monday and used general ventilation techniques.

Officials requested the help of EPA officials from Seattle and Portland, who began air monitoring and sampling Wednesday, Feb. 7. Investigators believe the issue is limited to the interior of the home.

“Investigators have indicated that they do not believe there is a risk to any neighbors, and the EPA has been testing and monitoring air throughout the neighborhood as additional precaution,” Seaside Public Information Officer Jon Rahl said after the incident.